Oil filling assembly, system, and method

ABSTRACT

An oil filling assembly is configured to couple to an intake port of an engine to fill an oil tank connected to the intake port. The intake port is located behind an access door of the engine. The oil filling assembly includes a hopper defining an oil retention chamber that is configured to receive oil, and a coupler extending from the hopper. The coupler includes a neck defining an oil outlet fluidly connected to the oil retention chamber. The coupler is configured to removably mount to the intake port of the engine.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to assemblies,systems, and methods for filling an oil tank, and, more particularly, toassemblies, systems, and methods for filling an oil tank of an engine ofan aircraft.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Various vehicles include engines that are used for propulsion. Forexample, various aircraft include one or more turbofan engines that aresecured to wings. Known aircraft engines include numerous componentsthat need to be lubricated in order to efficiently and effectivelyoperate. As such, the engines include oil tanks that are configured toreceive oil that is used to lubricate components of the engines, such asgear boxes.

In order to provide oil to an engine, an individual typically pours oilinto the oil tank of the engine. For known aircraft engines, the processof filling an oil tank takes about one to three minutes per quart of oilthat is added. Often, an individual pours oil directly from an oilreceptacle into the oil tank. As can be appreciated, aircraft enginesare relatively large, and require a relatively large volume of oil (suchas 25 quarts of oil or more per engine). As such, the process of fillingan oil tank of an engine may be labor and time intensive.

Further, the process of filling an oil tank of an engine may lead to oilspills. For example, if an individual attempts to fill the oil tank tooquickly, oil may overflow. Also, if the individual is not careful duringthe filling operation, oil may spill outside of the oil tank.Overflowing and/or spilled oil is typically wasted. Depending on aparticular engine configuration and extend of spillage, the spilled oilcan be collected by a scupper intake port and directed out via one ormore drains and into other components of the engine, such as within thebottom of an engine fan cowl of a turbofan engine. Excess, wasted oilmay pool at the bottom of a fan cowl, which may be aestheticallyundesirable degrade surfaces of the fan cowl, and lead to inspectionsand/or delays.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A need exists for a system and method of increasing an oil fill rate ofan engine. A need also exists for reducing spillage during an oilfilling operation.

With those needs in mind, certain embodiments of the present disclosureprovide an oil filling assembly that is configured to couple to anintake port (such as a scupper intake port) of an engine to fill an oiltank connected to the intake port. The intake port is located behind anaccess door of the engine. The oil filling assembly includes a hopperdefining an oil retention chamber that is configured to receive oil, anda coupler extending from the hopper. The coupler includes a neckdefining an oil outlet fluidly connected to the oil retention chamber.The coupler is configured to removably mount to the intake port of theengine, and may allow the oil filling assembly to be self-supported.

In at least one embodiment, the hopper is configured to extend throughan access opening of the engine and hold the access door open when thecoupler is mounted to the intake port. The hopper may be upwardly andoutwardly curved. Such a configuration provides maintenance personnelwith a visual indication of the oil filling assembly when in use toprevent or otherwise reduce a possibility of the oil filling assemblybeing left inside an engine by mistake. The configuration also preventsor otherwise reduces a risk of accidental closure of an oil access dooron a fan cowl.

In at least one embodiment, the neck includes a sealing member thatsealingly engages the intake port when the coupler is mounted to theintake port. The coupler may also include a shroud surrounding the neck.

The oil filling assembly may include a plunger including a plug that isconfigured to be removably inserted into the oil outlet of the neck. Theplug prevents (or otherwise reduces the possibility of) oil from passingthrough the oil outlet when the plug is inserted into the oil outlet.The plug may include a sealing member that is configured to sealinglyengage the neck at an area that defines at least portion of the oiloutlet.

The oil filling assembly may include a cap that is removably secured tothe hopper opposite from the coupler.

In at least one embodiment, the hopper and the coupler are integrallyformed and molded as a single piece. In at least one embodiment, thehopper is configured to modularly connect to the coupler and at leastone other different coupler, while the coupler is configured tomodularly connect to the hopper and at least one different hopper.

In at least one embodiment, the coupler includes one or more lockingmembers that are configured to securely lock the oil filling assembly tothe intake port in an upright position. For example, the locking membersmay include one or more tabs that are configured to be urged through oneor more reciprocal slots of the intake port, and the oil fillingassembly is configured to be rotated into a locked upright position. Asanother example, the locking members may include one or more latchesthat are configured to securely latch onto a portion of the intake port.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide an oil fillingsystem that includes an engine including a main housing, an oil tanksecured within the main housing, and an intake port in fluidcommunication with the oil tank. The intake port is behind an accessdoor that selectively covers and uncovers an access opening of the mainhousing. The system also includes an oil filling assembly that isconfigured to couple to the intake port of the engine to fill the oiltank.

In at least one embodiment, the oil filling assembly includes a hopperdefining an oil retention chamber that is configured to receive oil, anda coupler extending from the hopper. The coupler includes a neckdefining an oil outlet fluidly connected to the oil retention chamber.The coupler is configured to removably mount to the intake port of theengine. The hopper extends through the access opening of the engine andholds the access door open when the coupler is mounted to the intakeport. A plunger including a plug is configured to be removably insertedinto the oil outlet of the neck. The plug prevents or otherwise reducesthe possibility of oil from passing through the oil outlet when the plugis inserted into the oil outlet. A cap is removably secured to thehopper opposite from the coupler.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide an oil fillingmethod that includes removably mounting a coupler of an oil fillingassembly to an intake port of an engine oil tank. The intake port islocated behind an access door of the engine. The removably mountingincludes extending a hopper coupled to the coupler through an accessopening of the engine and holding the access door open with the hopperwhen the coupler is mounted to the intake port. In at least oneembodiment, the method also includes retaining oil within an oilretention chamber of the hopper, unplugging an oil outlet defined by aneck of the coupler that is fluidly connected to the oil retentionchamber, and passing the oil from the oil retention chamber into an oiltank of the engine that is fluidly connected to the intake port throughthe unplugging. That is, the plugged hopper may be filled with oil, andthen mounted to an oil tank of the engine. The plug may then be removedso that the oil retained within the hopper passes into the oil tank. Inat least one embodiment, the removably mounting includes securelylocking the oil filling assembly to the intake port in an uprightposition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a front perspective view ofan oil filling assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a bottom perspective view ofan oil filling assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a bottom perspective view ofa coupler of an oil filling assembly, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a bottom view of a cap,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of a front view of a plunger,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of a front perspective view of aplunger, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of a top perspective view of aplug, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic representation of a top perspective view of aplug, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic representation of a top perspective view of aplug, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of a front perspective view ofa hopper, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic representation of a front perspective view ofa coupler, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic representation of a bottom perspective view ofa coupler, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic representation of a top perspective view of ahopper, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic representation of a simplified view of anaircraft engine, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic representation of an oil filling assemblyextending through an access opening of an aircraft engine, according toan exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic representation of an internal perspective viewof an aircraft engine, according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic representation a top perspective view of ascupper intake port coupled to an oil tank, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic representation of a perspective view of an oilfilling assembly connected to an oil tank, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic representation of a perspective, partialsectional internal view of an oil filling assembly connected to an oiltank, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic representation of a perspective bottom view ofan oil filling assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic representation of a perspective view of an oilfilling assembly secured to an intake port of a scupper, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic representation of a top view of an intake portof a scupper, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic representation of an internal view of an oilfilling assembly secured to an intake port of a scupper, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic representation of a perspective view of an oilfilling assembly secured to an intake port of a scupper, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 25 illustrates a flow chart of a method for filling an oil tank ofan engine, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic representation of a front perspective view ofan aircraft, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 27 illustrates an axial cross-sectional view of a plug, accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofcertain embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunctionwith the appended drawings. As used herein, an element or step recitedin the singular and preceded by the word “a” or “an” should beunderstood as not necessarily excluding the plural of the elements orsteps. Further, references to “one embodiment” are not intended to beinterpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments thatalso incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitlystated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an elementor a plurality of elements having a particular condition may includeadditional elements not having that condition.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an oil filling assembly,system, and method that reduce the amount of time for filling an oiltank of an engine, thereby allowing operators to redistribute resources,reduce costs, and allow for quicker dispatch of vehicles, such asaircraft. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an assembly,system, and method that reduce oil spillage, thereby reducing alikelihood of fluid ingression into other components of an engine, suchas a fan cowl of an aircraft engine.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide an oil fillingassembly for filling an oil tank of an engine, such as that of anaircraft. The oil tank is fluidly connected to an intake port throughwhich oil is accepted. The intake port is located behind an access door.The oil filling assembly includes a hopper for receiving oil, and acoupler that removably connects to the intake port of the engine. Thehopper is configured to hold the access door open when the coupler isconnected to the intake port.

In at least one embodiment, the oil filling assembly includes a sealingmember (such as an O-ring secured within a groove) that sealinglyengages the intake port of the oil tank, thereby preventing (or reducingthe likelihood of) oil from spilling when the oil tank is filled, as theexcess oil remains inside the oil filling assembly. For example, thecoupler may include a groove that retains an O-ring that sealinglyengages an interior surface of the intake port (such as a scupper intakeport).

In at least one embodiment, the oil filling assembly is configured to besecurely coupled to the intake port in an upright position, so that anoperator is not required to hold the oil filling assembly in positionwhile the oil tank is being filled. For example, the coupler may includeone or more tabs that are configured to fit through reciprocal keyholeslots of the intake port. After being inserted into the slots, the oilfilling assembly is then rotated into a secure position in which the oilfilling assembly is locked in the upright position with respect to theintake port. In at least one other embodiment, the oil filling assemblymay include one or more latches that are configured to latchably securethe oil filling assembly to the intake port. As such, operators are freeto leave the oil filling assembly unattended while coupled to the intakeport of the oil tank, thereby allowing the operators to perform otherduties.

In at least one embodiment, the oil filling assembly includes aremovable plug that is inserted into the coupler to prevent (orotherwise reduce the possibility of) oil from flowing out of the couplerand into the oil tank. The plug is used to sealingly plug the coupler sothat the when the oil filling assembly is removed from the intake port,excess oil does not spill from the oil filling assembly.

The oil filling assembly is configured to retain a large amount of oil(such as at least three quarts) and is able to fill an oil tank at afaster rate as compared to prior known methods.

The oil filling assembly may be shaped so that, when in use, the oilfilling assembly holds an oil tank access door open, making it visibleto an operator and more likely that an operator will not forget that theoil filling assembly has been placed in the intake port of the oil tank.

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a front perspective view ofan oil filling assembly 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure. The oil filling assembly 100 includes a hopper 102defining an internal oil retention chamber (hidden from view in FIG. 1).The hopper 102 includes a first or top end 104 and a second or bottomend 106. The oil retention chamber extends through the hopper 102 fromthe first end 104 to the second end 106. The hopper 102 may be anelongated structure that is configured to retain a relatively largevolume of oil (such as at three quarts) within the oil retentionchamber. The pressure exerted by the increasing height, or head, of oilincreases a fill rate (that is, reduces a time of filling) of oil intoan oil tank. The oil filling assembly 100 may include a handle. Forexample, a handle may outwardly extend from an outer surface of thehopper 102.

In at least one embodiment, a cap 108 is removably secured to the firstend 104. The cap 108 includes a cover panel 110 that connects to anannular rim 112. The cap 108 may connect to the first end 104 throughvarious interfaces, such as a threadable interface, an interference fit,a snapable connection, and/or the like. An opening 114 may be formedthrough the cover panel 110. When coupled to the first end 104, the cap108 is configured to cover the oil retention chamber of the hopper 102.

A coupler 116 extends downwardly from the second end 106 of the hopper102. The coupler 116 includes an oil outlet (hidden from view in FIG. 1)that is configured to couple to an intake port of an oil tank system ofan engine.

A plunger 118 extends into the oil retention chamber of the hopper 102.The plunger 118 includes an extension beam 120 having a first or top end121 that connects to a handle 122. The extension beam 120 also has asecond or bottom end (hidden from view in FIG. 1) that connects to aplug (hidden from view in FIG. 1) that extends into and sealingly plugsthe oil outlet of the coupler 116 when inserted therein. The handle 122may be a ring, as shown. Optionally, the handle 122 may include a bar,post, tabs, or other such protuberances.

As shown, the plunger 118 extends through the opening 114 of the cap108. In at least one other embodiment, the plunger 118 may be integrallyformed with the cap 108 as a single unitary piece. For example, thehandle 122 may upwardly extend from an upper surface of the cover panel110, while the plunger 118 extends from a lower surface of the coverpanel 110.

The hopper 102 and the coupler 116 may be integrally formed as a singlepiece. For example, the hopper 102 and the coupler 116 may be integrallymolded and formed as a piece of injection-molded plastic. In at leastone other embodiment, the hopper and the coupler 116 may be integrallyformed and molded a single piece of metal. In at least one otherembodiment, the coupler 116 and the hopper 102 may be separate anddistinct components that are assembled and secured together, such asthrough one or more coupling interfaces, fasteners, welds, and/or thelike.

The hopper 102 may outwardly and upwardly curve from the second end 106to the first end 104. As shown, the hopper 102 includes an elongatedmain body 103 that outwardly and upwardly twists, thereby providing anelongated structure that is capable of retaining an increased volume ofoil, as opposed to a straight cylinder of the same height. Further, thetwisted main body 103 is sized and shaped to extend through an accessopening of an engine, as described with respect to FIG. 15, for example.When the oil filling assembly 100 is secured to an intake port of anengine, the outward and upward curved shaped of the hopper 102 outwardlyprotrudes through the access opening of the engine, and may hold anaccess door of the engine open, in order to provide a clear visualindication that the oil filling assembly 100 is coupled to the intakeport. Alternatively, the oil filling assembly 100 may be shaped andsized differently than shown. For example, the hopper 102 may be sizedand shaped as a linear tube.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a bottom perspective view ofthe oil filling assembly 100, according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present disclosure. The cap 108 and the plunger 118, both of whichare shown in FIG. 1, are not shown in FIG. 2.

The internal oil retention chamber 124 of the hopper 102 is definedbetween the first end 104 and the second end 106. The second end 106leads into the oil outlet 126 defined by an internal neck 128 of thecoupler 116.

The coupler 116 may include a perimeter shroud 130 that extends aroundan outer perimeter of the neck 128. Optionally, the coupler 116 may notinclude the shroud 130.

In operation, the coupler 116 is securely coupled to an intake port ofan oil tank of an engine, such that the oil outlet 126 of the coupler116 is in fluid communication with an oil inlet of the intake port. Oilthat is retained within the oil retention chamber 124 flows into the oiloutlet 126 and into the oil inlet of the intake port.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a bottom perspective view ofthe coupler 116 of the oil filling assembly 100, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the shroud 130is spaced apart from and surrounds an outer perimeter of the neck 128. Asealing member 132, such as an O-ring, may be secured around an outersurface of the neck 128. For example, the sealing member 132 may beretained within a groove formed around the neck 128. The sealing member132 is configured to sealingly engage the intake port of the engine toreduce the likelihood of oil leaking through an interface between theneck 128 and the intake port.

A notch 127 may be formed at a lower edge portion of the shroud 130. Thenotch 127 is configured to mate with a reciprocal portion of an engineto properly orient the oil filling assembly 100 relative to the intakeport. Optionally, the coupler 116 may include additional notches. In atleast one other embodiment, the shroud 130 may not include any notches.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a bottom view of the cap 108,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Thecover panel 110 connects to the annular rim 112. The cover panel 110 andthe rim 112 may be integrally formed as a single piece, such as a singlepiece of injection-molded plastic. The opening 114 is sized and shapedto allow the extension beam 120 of the plunger 118 (shown in FIG. 1) topass therethrough. The opening 114 may be smaller or larger than shown.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of a front view of the plunger118, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Thefirst end 121 of the extension beam 120 connects to the handle 122,while the second end 123 of the extension beam 120 connects to the plug134, which is configured to extend into and sealingly plug the oiloutlet 126 of the coupler 116 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). The plug 134 mayinclude a sealing member 136 (such as an O-ring) that extends around anouter surface. The sealing member 136 sealingly engages an internalsurface of the neck 128 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) that defines at least aportion of the oil outlet 126 to provide a fluid-tight seal thatprevents (or otherwise reduces the possibility of) oil from passing outof the oil outlet 126.

As shown, a diameter and/or perimeter of the extension beam 120 maygradually increase from the end 121 to the end 123. In this manner, theextension beam 120 may provide a conic shape. Optionally, the extensionbeam 120 may be shaped and sized in a different manner. For example, theextension beam 120 may be a tube having a constant diameter throughoutits length, a flat beam, or the like.

The plug 134 may have a cylindrical body 138. An annular groove 137 maybe formed around the body 138. The groove 137 retains the sealing member136.

FIG. 27 illustrates an axial cross-sectional view of a plug 134,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure(different than the plug 134 shown in FIG. 5). In this embodiment, theplug 134 includes a ball valve 400 coupled to a bracket 402. A handle404 may extend from the bracket 402. The ball valve 400 may be disposedwithin an internal chamber 406 of the bracket 402. A first end 408 ofthe bracket threadably couples to the hopper 102, while an oppositesecond end 410 threadably couples to a coupler 412. Fluid flows throughthe ball valve 400 in the open position and stops when the handle 404turns the ball valve 400 to the closed position.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of a front perspective view ofthe plunger 118, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In this embodiment, the plug 134 may be a separate anddistinct component that is secured to the extension beam 120. Forexample, the plug 134 may be formed from a sealing material, such asrubber or other such elastomeric materials. As such, a separate anddistinct sealing member need not be secured around the plug 134. Asshown, the plug 134 may include a cylindrical end that is sized andshaped to sealingly fit into the oil outlet 126 (shown in FIGS. 2 and3).

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of a top perspective view of theplug 134, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In this embodiment, the plug 134 has a conic body 140 thatis sized and shaped to sealingly plug the oil outlet 126 (shown in FIGS.2 and 3).

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic representation of a top perspective view of theplug 134, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In this embodiment, the plug 134 has a spherical body 142that is sized and shaped to sealingly plug the oil outlet 126 (shown inFIGS. 2 and 3).

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic representation of a top perspective view of theplug 134, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In this embodiment, the plug 134 has a body 144 that tapersdown from an upper end 146 to a lower end 148. The plug 134 is sized andshaped to sealingly plug the oil outlet 126 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3).Referring to FIGS. 5-9, the plug 134 may be sized and shaped differentlythan shown.

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of a front perspective view ofthe hopper 102, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The hopper 102 is sized and shaped similar to the hopper 102shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. That is, the hopper 102 outwardly and upwardlycurves and twists from the bottom end 106 to the top end 104. The hopper102 is sized and shaped in such a fashion so as to noticeably extendthrough an access opening of an engine cowl and hold open an accessdoor.

As shown, the hopper 102 is not connected to a coupler. Instead, thehopper 102 is formed as a separate and distinct piece so that the hopper102 may be modularly coupled to various different types of couplers. Themodularity of the hopper 102 allows the hopper to be fit to differentsized oil tanks having different sized intake ports.

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic representation of a front perspective view ofthe coupler 116, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In this embodiment, the coupler 116 includes a funnel 150that is configured to connect to a bottom end 106 of the hopper 102(such as any of those shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 10). The funnel 150directly connects to the neck 128. As shown, the coupler 116 may notinclude a shroud.

One or more locking members 152 (such as arcuate tabs) extend downwardlyfrom a rim connected to the neck 128. The locking members 152 areconfigured to mate with reciprocal structures of an intake port of anoil tank of an engine in order to securely lock the coupler 116 (andtherefore the oil filling assembly) thereto.

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic representation of a bottom perspective view ofthe coupler 116 according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The coupler 116 is similar to the coupler 116 shown in FIGS.1-3. The shroud 130 surrounds the neck 128. A funnel (hidden from viewin FIG. 12) similar to the funnel 150 shown in FIG. 11 may connect tothe neck 128.

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic representation of a top perspective view ofthe hopper 102, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In this embodiment, the hopper 102 may be formed as a linearcylinder.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 13, the hopper 102 is particularly sized andshaped to fit through a particular access opening of an engine, and holda particular access door open, so as to be easily and readily recognizedby an operator. The hopper 102 may be sized and shaped differently thanshown in FIGS. 10 and 13. In at least one embodiment, the hopper 102 ofFIG. 13 may be coupled to the hopper 102 of FIG. 10, in order to providea single hopper structure that is configured to extend further out froman access opening of an engine.

Referring to FIGS. 10-13, variations of the hopper 102 and the coupler116 (including those having different sizes and shapes than shown) maybe formed to provide a modular assembly. In this manner, a customizedoil filling assembly may be formed through modular components.

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic representation of a simplified view of anaircraft engine 200, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The aircraft engine 200 includes a main housing 202 thatretains a fan 208, an engine core 204, and an acoustic inlet barrel 210positioned proximate to an air intake inlet 212 of the aircraft engine200.

An access door 214 is secured to the main housing 202 and is configuredto be selectively moved between closed and open positions. For example,the access door 214 may be selectively moved (such as through pivotalmotion) between a closed position (in which an access opening isclosed), and an open position (in which the access opening is exposed).In the open position, an intake port (such as a scupper intake port) ofan oil tank of the aircraft engine is exposed. As such, the oil fillingassembly 100 (shown in FIGS. 1-3, for example) may be coupled to theintake port to allow oil to be added to the oil tank.

The aircraft engine 200 may include more or less components than shown.Further, the access door 214 may be located at various other areas ofthe main housing 202 than shown.

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic representation of the oil filling assembly 100extending through the access opening 216 of the aircraft engine 200,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. For thesake of clarity, the access door 214 is not shown in FIG. 15. An oilfilling system 201 is defined by the oil filling assembly 100 coupled tothe engine 200.

When coupled to the intake port of the oil tank of the engine 200, theoil filling assembly 100 conspicuously protrudes through the accessopening 216, and may also hold open the access door 214 (shown in FIG.14). As such, an operator is able to quickly and readily see that theoil filling assembly 100 is still coupled to the engine 200, whichreduces the potential that the operator will forget to remove the oilfilling assembly 100 after oil has been added to the oil tank.

As noted, the outward and upward curved and twisted shape of the hopper102 is configured to extend out of the access opening, and also ensurethat the top end 104 is substantially level with a ground surface onwhich an aircraft, for example, rests. As such, the top end 104 may notbe tilted relative to the ground surface, thereby reducing a likelihoodof oil spilling out of the oil retention chamber 124 from the top end104.

FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic representation of an internal perspective viewof an aircraft engine 200, according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure. For the sake of clarity, the main housing or coveris not shown in FIG. 16.

The engine 200 includes a fan frame assembly 220, an engine core 222,and the acoustic inlet barrel 210 positioned proximate to the air intakeinlet 212. An oil tank 230 is mounted outside of the fan frame assembly220 within the main housing. Optionally, the oil tank 230 may be locatedat various other areas. The access opening 216 shown in FIG. 14 isproximate to the engine oil tank 230.

A scupper 232 is coupled to the oil tank 230. The scupper 232 providesan intake port to the oil tank 230. A scupper drain 234 is coupled tothe scupper 232. The scupper drain 234 allows excess oil to drain fromthe scupper 232. The oil tank 230 connects to an oil inlet line 236 thatis configured to deliver oil to one or more components (such as a gearbox) that are configured to be lubricated. An oil return line 238connects to the components to a return port of the oil tank 230. In thismanner, oil circulates between the oil tank 230 and the components to belubricated.

FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic representation a top perspective view of thescupper 232 coupled to the oil tank 230, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure. The scupper 232 includes aremovable cap 240 that is configured to be disengaged and removed toexpose a fill passage of an intake port into which oil is poured.

FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic representation of a perspective view of theoil filling assembly 100 connected to the oil tank 230, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS.16-18, the coupler 116 of the oil filling assembly 100 securely couplesto the scupper 232, thereby securing the oil filling assembly 100 to thescupper 232 without the need for an operator holding the oil fillingassembly 100. The hopper 102 extends outside of the access opening 216(shown in FIG. 15). As shown, the plunger 118 is secured to the oilfilling assembly 100.

FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic representation of a perspective internal,partial sectional view of the oil filling assembly connected to the oiltank 230, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure. As shown, the neck 128 of the coupler 116 directly mateswith an intake port 250 of the scupper 232. For example, the neck 128mates into the intake port 250. The sealing member 132 sealingly engagesan interior surface of the intake port 250 to prevent (or otherwisereduce the possibility of) oil from leaking therethrough.

Further, when the plug 134 of the plunger 118 is inserted into the neck128, oil within the oil retention chamber 124 is prevented from passinginto the intake port 250. The sealing member 136 of the plug 134sealingly engages internal surfaces of the neck 128 that define at leasta portion of the oil outlet 126 to prevent (or otherwise reduce thepossibility of) oil from leaking therethrough.

In order to fill the oil tank 230, the cap 108 may first be removed.After the cap 108 is removed, oil may be poured into the oil retentionchamber 124. After a desired amount of oil is filled into the oilretention chamber 124, the plunger 118 may be removed, such that theplug 134 is removed from the oil outlet 126. Oil then flows through theintake port 250 and into the oil tank 230. The sealing member 132prevents oil from leaking through the interface between coupler 116 andthe scupper 232.

Optionally, oil may first be poured into the oil retention chamber 124having the plug inserted into the neck 128. The plug 134 prevents theoil from flowing out of the oil outlet 126. After a desired amount ofoil is filled into the oil retention chamber 124, the cap 108 may bemounted on the hopper 102 to prevent oil from spilling out of the topend 106. The oil filling assembly 100 having the retained oil may thenbe moved to the engine 200 and mounted onto the scupper 232. After theoil filling assembly 100 is mounted onto the scupper 232, the plunger118 may be manipulated so that the plug 134 is removed from the oiloutlet 126, thereby allowing the retained oil to flow through the intakeport 250 into the oil tank 230.

After the oil filling assembly 100 is used to fill the oil tank 230 witha desired amount of oil, the plunger 118 is manipulated to ensure thatthe plug 134 sealingly closes the oil outlet 126. The oil fillingassembly 100 may then be removed from the scupper 232. Upon removal, theplug 134 prevents excess oil from leaking out of the oil outlet 126,while the cap 108 reduces the likelihood that excess oil spills out ofthe top end 106 of the hopper 102.

FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic representation of a perspective bottom view ofan oil filling assembly 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure. As shown in FIG. 20, the coupler 116 includes afunnel 150 that is configured to connect to the bottom end 106 of thehopper 102. The funnel 150 directly connects to the neck 128. As shown,the coupler 116 may not include a shroud.

One or more locking members 152 (such as arcuate tabs) extend downwardlyfrom a rim 153 connected to the neck 128. The locking members 152 areconfigured to mate with reciprocal structures of an intake port of anengine in order to securely lock the coupler 116 (and therefore the oilfilling assembly) thereto. The coupler 116 may include more or lesslocking members 152 than shown.

FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic representation of a perspective view of theoil filling assembly 100 secured to the intake port 250 of the scupper232, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the locking members 152 securely mate withreciprocal structures of the scupper 232 to securely lock the oilfilling assembly 100 in an upright position with respect to the scupper232, so that an operator need not hold onto the oil filling assembly 100during a filling operation.

FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic representation of a top view of the intakeport 250 of the scupper 232, according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure. FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic representation of aninternal view of the oil filling assembly 100 secured to the intake port250 of the scupper 232, according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, the intake port 250includes a housing 251 having a central fill passage 252 formedtherethrough. Keyhole slots 254 and 256 (shown in FIG. 22) are formedthrough the housing 251 and are configured to receive the locking member152 of the coupler 116 (shown in FIGS. 20 and 23). The locking members152 may be sized and shaped differently, and the keyhole slots 254 and256 may be sized and shaped to receive the locking members 152 inparticular orientations. The intake port 250 may include more or lesskeyhole slots than shown.

Referring to FIGS. 20-23, in order to secure the oil filling assembly100 to the intake port 250, the locking members 152 are aligned withrespective keyhole slots 254 and 256, and the oil filling assembly 100is urged towards the intake port 250 such that the locking members 152pass into the respective keyhole slots 254 and 256. After the lockingmembers 152 pass through the keyhole slots 254 and 256, the oil fillingassembly 100 is rotated relative to the intake port 250 in the directionof arc A (shown in FIG. 22), such as through a 45, 60, or 90 degreeturn, thereby trapping the locking members 152 underneath a rim 260 ofthe intake port 250, and securely locking the oil filling assembly 100to the scupper 232. In order to remove the oil filling assembly 100 fromthe intake port 250, the process is reversed.

As shown in FIG. 23, in particular, a sealing member 132 is retainedwithin a groove formed in the neck 128. The sealing member 132 providesa fluid-tight seal between the intake port 250 and the neck 128, therebypreventing, minimizing, or reducing leakage therebetween.

FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic representation of a perspective view of an oilfilling assembly 100 secured to an intake port 250 of a scupper 232,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In thisembodiment, the coupler 116 of the oil filling assembly 100 may includeone or more latches 270 that are configured to latch onto a portion ofthe scupper 232 (such as onto an outer protuberance of the scupper 232)to secure the oil filling assembly 100 in an upright position relativeto the scupper 232.

Alternatively, the coupler 116 may include internal threads that areconfigured to threadably engage outer threads of a rim of the intakeport 250. In this embodiment, the oil filling assembly 100 may bethreadably secured to the scupper 232 in a stable upright orientation.As another alternative, the coupler 116 may removably couple to thescupper 232 in an upright position through one or more pins, magnets,adhesives, and/or the like.

FIG. 25 illustrates a flow chart of a method for filling an oil tank ofan engine, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The method begins at 300, at which a coupler of an oilfilling assembly is mounted to an intake port of a scupper. Then at 302,a plug is removed from the oil outlet of the coupler.

Once the plug is removed from the oil outlet, at 304, oil is allowed toflow from a hopper of the oil filling assembly into the intake portthrough the unplugged oil outlet. At 306, it is determined whether oilin the oil tank is at a desired level. If not, the method returns to304.

If, however, the oil in the oil tank is at a desired level, the methodproceeds from 306 to 308, at which the oil outlet of the coupler isplugged, thereby preventing oil from leaking out of the oil outlet. At310, the hopper of the oil filling assembly is covered, such as with acap, to prevent oil from spilling out of the top end of the hopper.Then, at 312, the oil filling assembly is removed from the intake portof the scupper. The process then ends at 314.

FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic representation of a front perspective view ofan aircraft 300, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The aircraft 300 includes a propulsion system 312 that mayinclude two turbofan engines 200, for example, each of which may besimilar to the engine 200 shown and described with respect to FIGS.14-19. Optionally, the propulsion system 312 may include more engines200 than shown. The engines 200 are carried by wings 316 of the aircraft300. In other embodiments, the engines 200 may be carried by a fuselage318 and/or an empennage 320. The empennage 320 may also supporthorizontal stabilizers 322 and a vertical stabilizer 324. The fuselage318 of the aircraft 300 defines an internal cabin, which may include acockpit 330, one or more work sections (for example, galleys, personnelcarry-on baggage areas, and the like), one or more passenger sections(for example, first class, business class, and coach sections), and anaft section in which an aft rest area assembly may be positioned.

Oil may be filled into oil tanks of the engines 200 through the oilfilling assemblies 100 described above. Optionally, the oil fillingassemblies 100 may be used to fill oil tanks of engines of various othervehicles, other than aircraft. For example, the oil filling assemblies100 may be used with respect to engines of land-based vehicles (such asautomobiles, trucks, trains, or the like), water craft, space craft, andthe like.

Referring to FIGS. 1-27, embodiments of the present disclosure provideassemblies, systems, and methods for increasing oil fill rates (that is,reducing filling times) of engines. The assemblies, systems, and methodsare configured to reduce a likelihood of oil spillage during an oilfilling operation.

The oil filling assemblies 100 described above are configured to quicklyand efficiently fill oil tanks of engines and reduce wasted oil asspillage is eliminated, minimized, or otherwise reduced. Because oilspillage is reduced, there is less excess, wasted oil within an engine.Further, the oil filling assembly 100 may be securely locked andself-supported in upright positions with respect to intake ports of oiltanks, thereby allowing operators to perform other tasks during oilfilling operations.

The hopper 102 provides a relatively long body that defines a relativelylarge oil retention chamber 124 that is able to retain a relativelylarge volume of oil (such as at least three quarts of oil). The pressureexerted by the relatively large volume of oil within the oil retentionchamber 124 increases the exit rate of oil out of the unplugged oiloutlet 126.

The oil outlet 126 may be plugged through manipulation of the plunger118 after an oil filling operation, thereby preventing undesired oilleakage out of the oil outlet 126. Further, the hopper 102 may becovered by a cap 108 to prevent oil from spilling out of the top of thehopper 102.

When the oil filling assembly 100 is operatively coupled to the intakeport 250 of the scupper 232, the hopper 102 conspicuously extends out ofthe access opening 216, and may hold open the access door 214. In thismanner, the oil filling assembly 100 is plainly visible to an operator.

While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower,mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like may be used todescribe embodiments of the present disclosure, it is understood thatsuch terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in thedrawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwisechanged, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa,horizontal becomes vertical, and the like.

As used herein, a structure, limitation, or element that is “configuredto” perform a task or operation is particularly structurally formed,constructed, or adapted in a manner corresponding to the task oroperation. For purposes of clarity and the avoidance of doubt, an objectthat is merely capable of being modified to perform the task oroperation is not “configured to” perform the task or operation as usedherein.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-describedembodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination witheach other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teachings of the variousembodiments of the disclosure without departing from their scope. Whilethe dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended todefine the parameters of the various embodiments of the disclosure, theembodiments are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Manyother embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art uponreviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments ofthe disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to theappended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which suchclaims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and“in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respectiveterms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, the terms “first,” “second,”and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended toimpose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitationsof the following claims are not written in means-plus-function formatand are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f),unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “meansfor” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.

This written description uses examples to disclose the variousembodiments of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also toenable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodimentsof the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems andperforming any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the variousembodiments of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may includeother examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such otherexamples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if theexamples have structural elements that do not differ from the literallanguage of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structuralelements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of theclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An oil filling assembly that is configured to couple to an intake port of an engine to fill an oil tank connected to the intake port, wherein the intake port is located behind an access door of the engine, the oil filling assembly comprising: a hopper defining an oil retention chamber that is configured to receive oil; and a coupler extending from the hopper, wherein the coupler comprises a neck defining an oil outlet fluidly connected to the oil retention chamber, wherein the coupler is configured to removably mount to the intake port of the engine.
 2. The oil filling assembly of claim 1, wherein the hopper is configured to extend through an access opening of the engine and hold the access door open when the coupler is mounted to the intake port.
 3. The oil filling assembly of claim 1, wherein the hopper is upwardly and outwardly curved.
 4. The oil filling assembly of claim 1, wherein the neck comprises a sealing member that sealingly engages the intake port when the coupler is mounted to the intake port.
 5. The oil filling assembly of claim 1, wherein the coupler further comprises a shroud surrounding the neck.
 6. The oil filling assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plunger including a plug that is configured to be removably inserted into the oil outlet of the neck, wherein the plug prevents oil from passing through the oil outlet when the plug is inserted into the oil outlet.
 7. The oil filling assembly of claim 6, wherein the plug comprises a sealing member that is configured to sealingly engage the neck at an area that defines at least portion of the oil outlet.
 8. The oil filling assembly of claim 1, further comprising a cap that is removably secured to the hopper opposite from the coupler.
 9. The oil filling assembly of claim 1, wherein the hopper and the coupler are integrally formed and molded as a single piece.
 10. The oil filling assembly of claim 1, wherein the hopper is configured to modularly connect to the coupler and at least one other different coupler, and wherein the coupler is configured to modularly connect to the hopper and at least one different hopper.
 11. The oil filling assembly of claim 1, wherein the coupler comprises one or more locking members that are configured to securely lock the oil filling assembly to the intake port in an upright position.
 12. The oil filling assembly of claim 11, wherein the one or more locking members comprises one or more tabs that are configured to be urged through one or more reciprocal slots of the intake port, and wherein the oil filling assembly is configured to be rotated into a locked upright position.
 13. The oil filling assembly of claim 11, wherein the one or more locking members comprises one or more latches that are configured to securely latch onto a portion of the intake port.
 14. An oil filling system comprising: an engine including a main housing, an oil tank secured within the main housing, and an intake port in fluid communication with the oil tank, wherein the intake port is behind an access door that selectively covers and uncovers an access opening of the main housing; and an oil filling assembly that is configured to couple to the intake port of the engine to fill the oil tank, the oil filling assembly comprising: a hopper defining an oil retention chamber that is configured to receive oil; a coupler extending from the hopper, wherein the coupler comprises a neck defining an oil outlet fluidly connected to the oil retention chamber, wherein the coupler is configured to removably mount to the intake port of the engine, wherein the hopper extends through the access opening of the engine and holds the access door open when the coupler is mounted to the intake port; a plunger including a plug that is configured to be removably inserted into the oil outlet of the neck, wherein the plug prevents oil from passing through the oil outlet when the plug is inserted into the oil outlet; and a cap that is removably secured to the hopper opposite from the coupler.
 15. The oil filling system of claim 14, wherein the hopper is upwardly and outwardly curved.
 16. The oil filling system of claim 14, wherein the neck comprises a first sealing member that sealingly engages the intake port when the coupler is mounted to the intake port, and wherein the plug comprises a sealing member that is configured to sealingly engage the neck at an area that defines at least portion of the oil outlet.
 17. The oil filling system of claim 14, wherein the coupler comprises one or more locking members that securely lock the oil filling assembly to the intake port in an upright position.
 18. The oil filling system of claim 17, wherein the one or more locking members comprises one or more tabs that are configured to be urged through one or more reciprocal slots of the intake port, and wherein the oil filling assembly is configured to be rotated into a locked upright position.
 19. The oil filling system of claim 17, wherein the one or more locking members comprises one or more latches that are configured to securely latch onto a portion of the intake port.
 20. An oil filling method comprising: removably mounting a coupler of an oil filling assembly to an intake port of an engine, wherein the intake port is located behind an access door of the engine, wherein the removably mounting comprises extending a hopper coupled to the coupler through an access opening of the engine and holding the access door open with the hopper when the coupler is mounted to the intake port; retaining oil within an oil retention chamber of the hopper; unplugging an oil outlet defined by a neck of the coupler that is fluidly connected to the oil retention chamber; and passing the oil from the oil retention chamber into an oil tank of the engine that is fluidly connected to the intake port through the unplugging.
 21. The oil filling method of claim 20, wherein the removably mounting comprises securely locking the oil filling assembly to the intake port in an upright position. 